Are you a well-watered garden?

God's garden at Crater Lake, Oregon.

Isaiah 58:11   “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”   (NIV)

Promise:  God will always guide, satisfy, strengthen and care for me.

      When I first encountered this verse, I was studying the book of Isaiah in a Community Bible Study group.  It was our verse to memorize for the week.  As I pondered the words, I realized the depth of God’s love and care for me.  He sees me as a young growing plant in his garden of life.  He is the eternal gardener who cultivates, nourishes, waters and supports all the plants in His garden.  Since I identify with this picture, being one who loves to garden and care for my plants, I realized that only God is the perfect gardener.  I stumble, fail and definitely fall short in the caring, watering and nurturing of myself and others.  I need to remember that God’s garden of life is a protected place where I will always be cared for, comforted, strengthened and guided along the pathways of life.  I need to trust God to provide and guide so I will flourish in His garden.  Being in God’s garden will give what the Psalmist calls the well-watered look.  Are you well-watered?  Do you read the Bible, pray, listen to Christian music, talk with Christian friends or read Christian literature?   We need to trust God and claim this verse, holding steadfastly to the truth of God’s gardening care.

Lessons and Truths:
1.   God is my guide in life.
2.   God is my provider.
3.   God is my source of strength.
4.   God cares for me and wants the best for me.
5.   God is eternal.

Prayer:  Lord, you promise to care, guide, satisfy and strengthen me.  Show me today each of these in a new way.  Help me to realize that you are with me 24/7 and that I can always depend on you.  Cause me to stand steadfastly on your Word and boldly speak to others about you.  Amen.

What is my response to God’s promise?

Am I trusting God to provide and guide me or am I trying to do things myself using my own power and strength?

What evidence do I see in my life of God’s care, satisfaction and guidance?  Thank Him today.

Promise Confirmation:  Psalm 25:9 and 48:14, Isaiah 40:31, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:13 and  4:19, 1 Peter 5:7

Blessings today as you enjoy and delight in being in God’s garden of care and love.
Linda

Grand Tetons in Jackson, Wyoming

Flowers alongside the road. God cares for all in His creation. Best of all He cares for you and me.